Movin' on up: Scotts go from Naples mansion to governor's mansion

Home of Rick Scott, Naples, Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Photo by Tristan Spinski

TALLAHASSEE - 5438980

Gov. Rick Scott certainly hasn't traded down in making the move from his Naples mansion to the governor's mansion in Tallahassee.

Located at the intersection of Adams and Brevard streets in the heart of Tallahassee, the governor's mansion is a Greek Revival-style building with red brick and six white Corinthian columns. Completed in 1957, the mansion replaced the original governor's mansion on the same property, which was built in 1907, said Carol Beck, the curator of the mansion.

Gov. Leroy Collins was the first governor to live in the new mansion, which cost $350,000 to build and furnish. The original mansion, which cost $21,242, was built by Gov. Napoleon Bonaparte Broward.

"It deteriorated after 50 years," Beck said.

She wouldn't say the current value of the mansion, which has three floors — a basement, a main floor and an upper level.

There are six private rooms on the main floor and six public rooms, including the library, sitting room, state room and Florida room, Beck said. The upper level has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The walls are covered with antique wallpaper, and the home is filled with 18th century antiques. A small staff of fewer than a dozen people work at the mansion, including Beck, a chef, a butler, a housekeeper and gardeners.

Beck said former Gov. Charlie Crist's family moved out in mid-December. Scott family photos now are scattered on tables around the main floor, and a book about Naples is on display in the library.

"The governor and his family, Sunday night was their first night here," Beck said.

A portion of the mansion was open Tuesday night to the public. Walter K. Laidler Jr., 62, of Lakeland, stopped by to see the building and ended up playing piano for visitors for more than a half hour.

"I just joined in," Laidler said.

By Florida statute, the governor's family is required to keep the mansion's 18th century design, Beck said. However, some personal touches are allowed.

"Some governors' wives are very involved in it and some less so," Beck said. "I think Mrs. (Ann) Scott, because she is an interior designer, will be taking an active role."